Visa Sponsorship Basics:

1
Visa Sponsorship Basics

• Overview of visa sponsorship

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International Affairs Mission

• To provide programs and services to enhance and
  facilitate the stay of international staff and
  students at UTMB, including
• Immigration advising / visa processing
• Orientation and education
• Cross-cultural activities
• Serve as liaison and advocate

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What is a Visa?

• A visa is a permit to enter a specific country
  for a specific purpose
• In this presentation we will discuss only United
  States visa rules and regulations
• Visa information for entry to other countries is
  available at http//www.state.gov/s/cpr/rls/fco

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What is Visa Classification?

• A category of temporary immigration status that
• Has specific criteria of eligibility
• Is issued for a specific type of activity
• Has specific rules for maintenance of status

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Variables Affecting Visa Classification
Eligibility

• Prior US immigration history
• Periods of absence from US
• Highest earned academic degree
• Minimum requirements of UTMB job
• Desired start date of UTMB activity
• Plans of accompanying dependents
• Long range plans in US

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Nonimmigrant Visa Overview
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How long does it take ?

• Each visa request involves multiple steps
• Different visa classifications require different
  steps
• We have control only over the portion of the
  process which we perform
• For our specific targets, see our Turn Around
  Policy (copy provided)

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Guidelines for Preparation of Nonimmigrant Visa
Requests
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How early should Initial J-1 document be
requested?

• Allow about 3 months
• 2-3 weeks for our process
• 1 week for courier delivery
• 2-4 weeks to schedule visa appointment
• 2-4 weeks to obtain visa and travel to U.S.

10
How Early Should Transfer J-1 Document Be
Requested?

• Allow about 2 months
• 2-3 weeks for our process
• 4-6 weeks visitor relocation time

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When should initial H-1B be filed?

• Allow about 6 months (w/out Premium Processing)
• 1 month, minimum, for ODIA process
• 4-5 months for USCIS adjudication
• 1 week for courier delivery
• 2-4 weeks to schedule visa appointment
• 2-4 weeks to obtain visa and travel to U.S.

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When Should a Premium Processed H-1B Petition
be filed?

• Allow about 2 months if in US up to 4 months if
  currently overseas
• 1 month, minimum, for ODIA process
• 1 week mail time to arrive at USCIS
• 15 days USCIS processing time
• 1 week to receive original approval (mail)
• 1 week to forward by courier overseas
• 2-4 weeks to make visa interview apt.
• 2-4 weeks to be issued visa stamp

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When should transfer H-1B be filed?

• Allow about 2 months
• 1 month, minimum, for our process
• 3-4 weeks for hard copy receipt notice to arrive
  from USCIS by mail
• Contingent upon valid H-1B status with prior
  employer, UTMB employment may begin once USCIS
  receipt notice is on file

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Comparison of J-1 to H-1B
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Comparison of J-1 to H-1B
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How long does US Citizenship and Immigration
Services (USCIS) take?

• Processing times vary according to
• Visa classification
• USCIS Service Center
• USCIS staff reassignments to handle critical
  projects
• General processing times for USCIS adjudication
  can be viewed at https//egov.uscis.gov/cris/jsps
  /ptimes.jsp

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Current Processing Times for H-1B Applications at
the Vermont Service Center
https//egov.uscis.gov/cris/jsps/Processtimes.jsp?
SeviceCenterVSC
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How long does it take for a visa stamp to be
issued?

• Processing times vary by visa classification and
  U.S. consular post
• Processing times at US consulates abroad can be
  viewed at http//travel.state.gov/visa/temp/wait/
  tempvisitors_wait.php

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What if something goes wrong..?

• Delays can be caused by
• Error on form or petition
• Name inconsistencies
• Passport issuance problem
• Security Advisory Opinion
• Difficulty establishing temporary intent
• Request J-1 2-4 months in advance
• Request H-1B 6 months in advance

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When can work begin?

• Visa document issued or approved
• Visa stamp approved by US consulate
• Visitor travels to U.S. UTMB
• Department has created Position, and Opening
  to fill Position, in People Soft HCM
• Visitor checks in with ODIA
• ODIA completes I-9 Verification

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When can transfer begin work?

• Visa document start date is current
• USCIS receipt notice (if any) on file
• Position is created, and Opening is created
  to fill Position, in P/S HCM
• Visitor checks in with ODIA
• ODIA completes I-9 Verification

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Tips to Facilitate the ProcessTip 1

• Clarify goals and objectives with visitor and
  ODIA Advisor before requesting visa document
• Does visitor intend to pursue a different
  objective in the U.S. later?
• Does the P.I. have other plans in mind for the
  visitor?
• Are there visa implications of such a change of
  objective?

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Tip 2 Work through Departmental Contacts

• Each UTMB department has an identified ODIA
  liaison (see list)
• The departmental AA has been trained by ODIA to
  prepare visa sponsorship requests
• Consult with your AA regarding an appropriate
  start date and required documentation

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Tip 3

• Establish a reasonable start date
• 3-6 months in the future for J-1 who is overseas
• 6-8 months in future for H-1B who is overseas
• 2-3 months in future for H-1B already in that
  status working for another US employer

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Tip 4

• For an accurate visa eligibility determination
  submit to ODIA
• Pre-Arrival Datasheet completed by prospective
  visitor
• Copies of passport bio and visa pages and all
  prior US immigration documents

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Tip 5

• Reduce confusion by allowing the Administrative
  Assoc. for your area (Mary Boyle or Margie
  Wronski) to coordinate all communications with
  ODIA.

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Tip 6

• Provide required documents together
• Missing items cause delays!
• Advisors work cannot begin until all information
  is received
• Certain information could be a deal
  breaker(e.g. J-1 2-year requirement, credential
  evaluation)
• See checklists at http//intranet.utmb.edu/intern
  ational/visainfo/adminforms.htm

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Tip 7

• Allow us time to do a great job
• Some types of applications take longer to prepare
• Some personal situations are more complex than
  others
• Some times of the year are busier
• Processing times can vary due to individual
  circumstances

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Tip 8

• Follow all normal recruitment and appointment
  requirements
• Recruitment packet must be approved before
  initiating visa sponsorship request
• Position and Opening must be created in
  People Soft HCM
• HR Recruiter must move prospective employee
  record to ready to hire in People Soft HCM

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Requirements for International New Hires

• All international new hires must visit ODIA
  on or before first date of employment
• Employment is contingent upon approval of
  appropriate visa status and documentation of
  employment eligibility

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Questions Answers

• We appreciate your feedback!
• Thanks for attending!
• Let us know how we can help!!